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The Ford F-150 Lightning appears to be in a perplexing middle ground. It ranks among the leading electric trucks nationwide, yet frequently finds itself near the lower end of Consumer Reports’ evaluations. This combination isn’t as paradoxical as it might seem. The truck continues to sell well thanks to the reputation of the F Series lineup. Numerous buyers have confidence in that brand; they are aware of what to expect, and the electric models still function like the traditional work trucks they are familiar with. As per Consumer Reports, the Lightning excels in several areas that matter to owners. The reviews from the outlet highlight that the EV’s interior is pleasant, the bed and front trunk can accommodate ample cargo, and the vehicle can even supply power to a home during a blackout — a benefit compared to most electric vehicles.

When Consumer Reports assesses electric vehicles (and cars in general), the focus isn’t on the delight or utility of the truck; it looks into the frequency of component failures and the experiences reported by owners over time. Many electric trucks face difficulties in this regard due to factors like inadequate drivetrains and electronic systems. The Lightning occupies a central position in this complexity, so despite its strong sales, the electric truck is still plagued by numerous challenges that accompany being an early iteration of an electric pickup.

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Significantly Lower Your Phone Bills with This Easy Method

T-Mobile increasing rates. When you are bound by a contract with a mobile service provider and covering the cost of your smartphone alongside the monthly usage fee, it’s easy to feel exasperated by the total monthly expense. Nonetheless, there is a method to not only reduce your monthly phone costs but also more conveniently capitalize on the various promotions carriers provide.

Cutting down your phone expenses is straightforward when you take advantage of the numerous bring-your-own-device (BYOD) offers. The simplest way to employ this option is by acquiring an unlocked phone and bringing it to your desired carrier. An unlocked phone is not restricted to a particular service and can be utilized anywhere. 

When you obtain a device directly from a mobile carrier via a monthly installment plan, the phone is likely to be locked, meaning it is tethered to that provider and cannot be changed until it is fully paid. The advantage of adopting an unlocked phone with a BYOD plan is that you can alter your service whenever you discover better offers, rather than being trapped under a contract with ongoing price hikes.

Acquiring an unlocked phone for a BYOD plan

iFixit Launches Complimentary App to Help Users Repair Apple Products and Various Other Devices

A decade after Apple removed iFixit from the App Store and prohibited its developer account, iFixit has made its comeback with a fresh app offering repair guides, a repair workbench, and a battery lifespan predictor. The application features FixBot, an AI repair assistant shaped by user experiences. A notable attribute is Battery Health Intelligence, which tracks battery capacity in real time and forecasts when a replacement is necessary. This feature is currently in beta due to inconsistent measurements by manufacturers but provides improved insights compared to existing options.

iFixit has consistently advocated for the right to repair, supporting user autonomy in device upkeep. Apple has slowly adjusted to new repair regulations, yet obstacles persist. The iFixit app’s FixBot, informed by successful community repairs, assists users in overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the app encompasses a pocket repair guide that logs devices, pinpoints essential tools, and offers installation instructions. While some individuals may opt for professional repair services, the iFixit app serves as an invaluable tool for DIY enthusiasts. The app is accessible for free on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

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Assessing the Security of Google’s Password Manager

Google’s password manager application is not exclusively essential for usage within Google Chrome, but it’s an option you can consider. Alternatively, you may opt to utilize the integrated version and follow the auto-fill prompt to generate a robust password and save it when indicated.

At times, a widely used and user-friendly feature may not be the most secure or optimal choice, based on its intended application. Relying on Google’s password manager won’t necessarily jeopardize your data immediately; however, there are several points to be aware of before you proceed with its use.  

The response hinges on your definition of safety

Comparing HDMI and USB-C: Selecting the Appropriate Display Port

the HDMI interface, which provides widespread compatibility and transmits both audio and video signals. Add to that eARC and ARC port functionalities along with practical single-port configurations, and it’s clear why it’s favored. On the computer connection front, there are additional choices like DisplayPort, the antiquated VGA plug, and even USB-C.

Regarding PC connections, which is the optimal choice for your monitor? The truthful response is likely USB-C, but the existing device environment complicates matters. Numerous PCs and docks continue to use HDMI as the main display connection, and the majority of contemporary monitors support this through HDMI inputs as the primary means. Nevertheless, there has been a rise in USB-C and Thunderbolt displays that could provide more benefits, provided you have a compatible device that meets your requirements.

Transfer rates and media

Top 5 Most Suggested YouTube TV Alternatives

left with the impression that YouTube TV doesn’t justify its value and is considering abandoning the service or searching for other options. A current survey conducted by Drive Research indicates that 82% of YouTube TV subscribers are frustrated over the prolonged two-week dispute between Disney and YouTube TV, with about 24% of those polled having already terminated their subscriptions or intending to do so in the near future.

Although ESPN and other Disney channels have returned to YouTube TV following negotiations, subscribers are left questioning whether this revised agreement will involve any upcoming price increases. This situation has prompted many to explore alternative live TV streaming services to view the content they desire, without incurring exorbitant costs.

Numerous streaming platforms are vying with YouTube TV, ranging from well-known options like Hulu TV and Sling to lesser-known services like Frndly TV, but the following are some of the top alternatives to YouTube TV. By combining any of the following with the various free streaming services available from providers like Tubi, Pluto, and others, you might find yourself never returning to YouTube TV.

1. Fubo TV

Fubo TV has existed for quite some time, having launched in 2015 as a streaming service centered around live soccer. Evolving since its inception, Fubo TV has transformed into a comprehensive live streaming service with a significant emphasis on live sports. Fubo TV features multiple subscription packages, beginning at $14.99 for its Latino plan and reaching up to $94.99 for its Elite plan.

All standard streaming plans offer access to ABC, CBS, and FOX channels, with higher-tier plans providing 4K streaming for enhanced visual quality. The company has also recently introduced its Fubo Channel Store, a platform that permits users to purchase additional subscriptions from specific streaming services to complement their existing plans. Given that the platform initially catered solely to sports, Fubo TV is highly regarded among sports enthusiasts.

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Google Photos Launches Integrated Video Editing Tools as a Substitute for CapCut on Android

the Google Photos Recap function a few days ago, allowing users to summarize their Photos activities for 2025 and utilize new features. Among these, Google added support for exporting Recap projects to CapCut for specific edits before sharing the videos on social media. However, fast-forward to Tuesday, and Google introduced a new video editing experience in Google Photos that turns the app into the built-in CapCut alternative Android required. It’s not entirely a CapCut substitute, as ByteDance’s video app provides more intricate video editing options, including additional built-in AI capabilities. On that topic, the new Google Photos video editing features do not focus on incorporating more Gemini AI functions into the app. AI has been a major focus for Google’s updates to Google Photos earlier this year.

That being said, advanced social media users who share video content on Instagram and TikTok might prefer or benefit more from the video-editing features available in those applications. Nevertheless, Google’s overhaul of the video-editing interface in Google Photos may meet the needs of casual users who don’t necessarily require more professional video-editing functionalities. In other words, Tuesday’s update introduces support for basic video editing tools that could lessen the necessity to use a different app.

You may not need to switch to CapCut if Google Photos already allows you to add music tracks and text overlays to your videos right after recording them. Furthermore, the new video features in Google Photos also surpass the capabilities of Apple’s standard Photos app on iPhone. In terms of iPhone, the revamped video editor in Google Photos will be accessible on both Android and iOS, featuring a universal timeline that accommodates multi-clip editing, music tracks, and a comprehensive menu at the bottom presenting various editing tools.

The updated video-editing features in Google Photos

Top 5 Lesser-Known Complimentary Mac Applications

useful Mac applications that you might not be aware of, no matter how long you’ve been a macOS user.

This is due to the fact that developers periodically introduce new applications, so unless you actively participate in relevant communities like r/MacApps on Reddit, it can be challenging to discover tools that could enhance your experience— or ones that resolve your frequent issues with current Mac applications or your workflow.

Instead of putting in all the effort to find these applications, we aim to simplify the process by highlighting the top five Mac applications we’ve encountered that are not only useful in various situations but are also completely free, allowing you to download and begin using them right away without spending any money.

Zettlr

Zettlr is a no-cost and open-source markdown editor compatible with macOS, Linux, and Windows. The application features a user-friendly layout with a file navigator on the left side and an editor to the right. It is designed primarily for writers, but it can also serve for note-taking across various tasks due to its Markdown capabilities and several additional features that make it unique, such as no telemetry and support for reference managers like Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M.

For academic purposes, Zettlr comes equipped with numerous convenient functionalities. For instance, it has an integrated method for submitting your work to journals and conferences. The editor supports LaTeX for formatting mathematical equations correctly, includes code blocks for snippets of code, and allows the use of custom CSS for personal text formatting. Snippets are another useful aspect of Zettlr that streamline your work by letting you define certain frequently-used phrases, reducing the need to repeatedly type everything out.

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Benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi Networks Compared to Conventional Routers

the top Wi-Fi routers for a new internet setup or if you’re thinking of upgrading an older model to access newer features, it’s reasonable to question: Should you opt for a standard router, or is it wiser to invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system? While both standard routers and mesh networks fulfill the fundamental role of providing internet and network access throughout your home, they operate in distinct manners.

Conventional Wi-Fi routers transmit a wireless signal from a single point, while mesh networks utilize multiple nodes that collaborate to extend connectivity throughout your space. This difference in methodology gives mesh networks advantages in various aspects. The principal mesh network systems are acknowledged for their adaptability, scalability, and user-friendliness, and are typically recommended if you’re facing Wi-Fi dead zones or need to cover a large residence. So, here are the key reasons to think about getting a mesh Wi-Fi system instead of a conventional standalone router.

They provide effortless scalability